ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – This month, the Michigan DNR is helping people learn how to interact with nature.
The DNR has a full schedule of workshops at events planned at the Escanaba Pocket Park, located at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Topics include scavenger animals, map reading, fur and bone artifacts, DNR Dungeons & Dragons, and nature journaling.
Pocket Park Interpreter Jalen Sims says the DNR especially hopes young people will gain a better understanding of their environment, and their role in that environment, through these workshops.
“We have to take care of our environment, and then our environment’s going to take care of us,” said Sims. “The DNR is also completely funded by hunting and fishing licenses, so if we can eventually get some people interested in fishing on our Great Lakes or hunting on our lands, that’s amazing and that’s the goal.”
The Pocket Park Fishing Tournament is also scheduled for Friday, September 20, followed by an Autumn Celebration on Sunday, September 22.
The workshops and events are being held in addition to the fishing pond, archery range, pellet gun range, and other activities the Pocket Park offers. With fall hours now in effect, the park is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pocket Park’s last day open for the season will be October 26.
Those planning to attend a workshop at the Pocket Park are asked to RSVP on Facebook. Click here to RSVP or to learn more about the park’s September events.